So new here and I bought a 2002 mini with low miles and a blown 5 speed. So the question is do I get another 5 speed to put in it or have some real fun and convert it to the 6 speed. Open to options here. It in perfect shape other than trans so I want to do something with it. Give me your ideas people.

 

If you can it is ideal to go for the 6spd as you won't have to do it again later, and it will drive so much better and even better mileage with the extra gear.

If you are able to pick up in Atlanta I'm going to be parting another 6spd S out soon. I just don't ship trans as they end up broke.

 

Another consideration is that the 6 spd may be much cheaper and easier to source. If you have all the parts ready, it's a fairly straight forward installation.

 

So I live in Washington state. I am willing to drive a fare ways but not across country. I do have a truck and flat bed trailer so I can get the entire car. THE SEARCH IS ON LOL. So if anyone has any leads on anyone parting out a 6 speed hit me up. OH also the parts car has to be the same generation right.

Thanks

 

I know almost nothing about the second Gen cars. I would guess that the citroen engine is enough different than the chrysler engine that only the first gen will work for this swap. The bright side is that winter will help parts cars become available.

EDIT: forgot to say that the transmission is just light enough that it can be shipped UPS.

 

DO THE 6 SPEED SWAP.

If you replace it with the Midlands/Rover it will just blow again. The Getrag 5 is better but you need to buy the same number of parts (axles, shift linkages, ect.) as the 6 speed and the 6 is a better transmission that you can put LSD into. The cost differential between the 5 and 6 speed can't be that much. There is a shop in the Seattle area that parts out MINI's from time to time, I cannot remember the name though. But the 6 speed is the way you should go, there really is no question if you can afford it. When my transmission died, I did have the money but when all cheap and had my Midlands/Rover rebuilt... big mistake. I will need to have it rebuilt again soon and guess what... I will be out the same money for two rebuilds as one 6 speed swap and more if I do the 6 speed swap... Don't be like me.

DO THE 6 SPEED.

 

If you can, get the transmission from a late 2005, gear ratios are slightly different. It also isn't impossible to find a factory JCW that is in a scrap yard that was totaled from a rear end or side impact accident leaving the front end fine. The JCW transmissions come with LSD. You do want the LSD.

 

The cost difference between the 5 and 6 speed is bigger than you would expect. I got my engine from a guy that thought $1200 for a 5 speed was too much. About a month ago, Car-part.com only showed 1 getrag 5 speed in the country, it supposedly had a "hole" and they wanted 1900 for it.

​​​​​​In comparrison, the 6 speeds are down in the $400-800 range now for the updated ratios and no lsd. 3 years ago I paid $900 + shipping for a low mileage 06 6 speed. Even with a new clutch, I'm way less than the 1k difference.

The only thing that wasn't bolt and go for the swap in my 05 was the backup light plug. It just required that I replace the justa plug with one from an S. And if you really wanted to, you could splice that in with scotch locks and keep the original plug "just in case".

 

I too did the switch in my R50 from a 5 spd to 6 spd. My Getrag started leaking from the driver's side axle seal. I replaced seals a couple of times and axles with no change. Found out that the diff bearing were worn and allowing the axle to wobble, thereby causing the leak. When I priced out a replacement 5 spd, it was around $1500 for just the trans. I was able to get a whole '06 6 spd "kit" for $1100 from a savage yard.

If you do the swap from a getrag 5 to 6 speed. There are a few additional items you'll need that aren't listed in the Texas Speedworks document. You'll need the frame side mount, and shifter cables. Also, if you stay with a factory style cluctch and DMF, be sure to source the crank bolts as the R50 bolts aren't nearly long enough.

 

If you dont do the 6 speed swap you could convert to e 5 speed gertrag 7/2004+. Mine has over 283K miles on it and going strong.

 

He could do that however the job would be the same. He would be changing axles, flywheel, clutch, frame mount, shift cables, and starter. I'm sure i'm forgetting other things too. And with the cost of the Getrag 5 speed (G252) compared to the Getrag 6 speed (G285), it is more economical to put in the 6 speed. There are also more options for the 6 speed in regards to clutch options, LSD, and axles. If I had it to do over again, I would still put in the 6 speed.

 

Yep, its still the old single mass unless you do a conversion on the 6 speed.

 

Does anyone know the stock ratios on the 5 and 6 speed boxes? Is 6th longer, or are they just closer spaced?

 

https://www.motoringalliance.com/art...ini-cooper.56/

Answer to ratio question in this link.

 

I don't recall the exact ratios but the 6 speed has a slight shorter 1st gear (just a few percent) and a noticeably taller 6th gear. At highway speed, my old Getrag was turning approx 3500 rpm to run 70mph. Now it turns 3000 rpm for the same speed.

 

You can use any of the 02-06 6spd trans. BUT I would recommend specifically looking for the 05-06 as the gear ratios are better on the low end. Since the R50 doesn't make much power the 02-04 6spd is a bit of a dog, but the 05-06 feels perfect and easier to drive.

 

Sorry it has taken so long to reply. Had a medical emergency and spent the month of December in the hospital. Doing good now. I am trying to buy a 05-06 6 speed but so far I am striking out. The salvage shops that I have contacted want $1200 just for the used trans. I am also trying to buy a salvaged one at auction. Not many around. Lost out on a complete car but it went for $2000. Seems high just for parts which your not sure if they will work. If anyone has a lead on a 05-06 6 speed kit or parts car hit me up.